YOU know your team is in dire straits when fans are more excited about Cebuano June Mar Fajardo finally meeting his supposed lookalike on the Serbian team — Boban Marjanovic — than the actual FIBA World Cup clash between the Gilas Pilipinas and Serbia on Monday night, Sept. 2, 2019.
Yet, as proud as most Filipinos were of the Gilas’ courage and effort against the world’s fourth-ranked side, Cebuano coaches and players were unanimous in saying that the Philippines’ best — for now — simply isn’t enough on this stage.
“I agree with what most people are saying that we don’t have shooters on our lineup,” said Southwestern University-Phinma head coach Mike Reyes, brother of former Gilas mentor, Chot Reyes.
“And it looks like we lack flow, which a team can develop through regular practice sessions,” Reyes added.
Cebu City Councilor and Cebuano hoops legend, Dondon Hontiveros, who has suited up for Gilas on numerous occasions, said the team was able to showcase glimpses of brilliance, but all in all, was not able to figure out the puzzle that Italy and Serbia posed.
University of the Visayas Green Lancers head coach Gary Cortes lauded the Philippine team but also admitted that the Gilas might not be ready for the world stage.
“I salute the Gilas for playing hard and doing its best for the Philippine flag and the Filipino people. Unfortunately, their best wasn’t good enough against better and bigger teams like Italy and Serbia,” said the leader of the three-time defending Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) champs.
“Admittedly, the world stage of basketball is not for us in the next 10 to 20 years. Not unless the Philippines will form a solid national team, composed of players who are committed to play for the country in all international competitions.”
University of San Jose-Recoletos Jaguars head coach Leode Garcia also surmised the style of play that the Gilas is playing right now, might not be favorable against its opponents.
“We are undermanned, undersized and the system that we are using isn’t ideal for the World Cup stage,” said the muscular head coach.
Meanwhile, one-time MVP Jaybie Mantilla, who is set to make his UAAP debut when he suits up for the University of the Philippines in Season 82, said the result was hardly surprising given the caliber of talent that the Gilas faced off against.
“Our opponents are tough! They have NBA players. But at the same time, the Gilas showed what they can do especially during the first period of their game against Serbia. I’m also very impressed with what the Gilas rookies have shown, especially CJ Perez and Robert Bolick. They really displayed what it means to be Pinoy; they didn’t back down.”
The Gilas will try to wrap up their World Cup stint on a victorious note when they take on Angola in their final elimination round game. (JNP)